Phases Explained

The application timeline for School Choice programs is split into three phases. Depending on the phase, different rules apply as to how applications are processed.

Phase 1 (September 27, 2019 - December 6, 2019)Although anyone may apply during this phase, applications are treated differently for different groups.

Any applications for students who live outside the HISD boundaries will not be considered until Phase 3, even if the application was submitted during Phase 1.

All applications for students who live inside the HISD boundaries or for the children of active HISD employees who live outside the boundaries will be considered.

Any eligible student who meets the qualifications for the program to which they are applying will be entered in a lottery if there are more applicants than available seats. The date of the application does not influence their chances as long as it is within the window.

Phase 2 (December 7, 2019 - February 29, 2020)Although anyone may apply during this phase, applications are treated differently for different groups.

Any applications for students who live outside the HISD boundaries will not be considered until Phase 3, even if the application was submitted during Phase 2.

All applications for students who live inside the HISD boundaries or for the children of active HISD employees who live outside the boundaries will be considered.

After all applications in Phase 1 have been processed, eligible students who meet the qualifications for the program to which they are applying, will be considered in the order in which their application was submitted (online or on paper).

Phase 3 (March 1, 2020) Like Phase 2, but during this time only in-district applicants new to HISD and out-of-district applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, if space is available.

* HISD Out-of-District Employees

To be considered for Phase I Lottery. The following is what is stated in HISD District Policy (FDA2 Regulations): “An employee, as defined in the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Student Transfers System (STS), is a person who is employed by the receiving District and currently contributes to the Texas Teacher Retirement System (TRS). Use of this definition qualifies the transfer as an exemption form the requirement of Reference (e).” If you do not meet what is stated in HISD District Policy (FDA2 Regulations): Your child will be considered as an Out-of-District applicant, and his or her application will be considered in the Phase 3 window starting June 1, 2019 after all qualified In-district applicants have been considered and if space is still available. Thank you.